RYE, N.Y. -- The $140 billion state budget that was passed on Monday, March 31, will provide much needed increases in state aid to Sound Shore schools, according to State Sen. George Latimer (D-Rye) and Assemblyman Steve Otis (D-Rye).

The adopted state budget includes a statewide increase of $1.1 billion in aid to school districts. Westchester's 40 school districts will receive an increase of $56 million, which is $19.4 million more than proposed in the original executive budget.

In addition, the Smart Schools Bond Act, if passed by referendum in November, will provide additional funding for important technology upgrades for school districts. Westchester school districts would receive over $61.7 million in funding for computer upgrades and other infrastructure needs.

"This is the second straight year that funding for these districts has increased," Latimer said in a statement. "I am pleased that the state budget includes increases over last year and over the amounted proposed in the Executive budget in January."

The Sound Shore school districts of Port Chester, Blind Brook, Rye, Rye Neck and Mamaroneck all received aid increases in excess of $100,000 compared to last year's aid package.

"Protecting taxpayers and preserving quality education in Westchester can only be accomplished if state aid better reflects the needs of our communities. This state budget is a step in the right direction," Latimer and Otis said in a joint statement.